Another week and another round of waivers. If you weren’t sure who to pick up, check out my waiver piece for Week 3 here. Similar to last week’s add or stash, players must be dropped in order to add to your roster. When looking at your waiver wire, you may notice some valuable names on the list that were dropped Wednesday morning. Whether it was a bad game, injury, or just a roster clog, if you see any of these guys grab them for later on in the season. All roster percentages provided by ESPN Fantasy Football.
Quarterback
Justin Fields CHI (49.1% Rostered) – With Andy Dalton being week-to-week with a knee injury, Justin Fields looks primed to be the starter during his absence. Although not playing to the best of his ability in Week 2, Fields has upside similar to quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. Expect more rookie struggles like last week, where Fields went 10 for 31 yards on the ground, or his 46.2% completion rate. But grab him now in the case he balls out. You want to have him on your fantasy football roster before the breakout.
Running Back
Jeff Wilson Jr SF (4.2% Rostered) – The 49er’s backfield is becoming the Ravens 2.0, but with less severe injuries. Every running back on the active roster for week two suffered an injury:
- Trey Sermon – Concussion
- Eli Mitchell – Shoulder
- JaMycal Hasty – High Ankle Sprain
Hasty will be “out for while” according to Kyle Shanahan. Concussions have a wide range of outcomes so don’t rely on Sermon. Elijah Mitchell seems to be the only back capable of playing in the upcoming game against the Packers. Jeff Wilson Jr. is the only running back with trust from the coaches in this system. Look for him to take over the backfield sometime between October-November. If you have an IR spot available, he is worth the stash.
Wide Receiver
Michael Gallup DAL (71.5% Rostered) – Michael Gallup was placed on the short-term IR, meaning he is out for a minimum of three weeks. The earliest he can return is October 10th. If you have an IR spot available, Gallup is worth the stash. The Cowboys have a high-powered offense and even as their WR3, Gallup should see 5-7 targets a game. He is a flex play when healthy.
Tight End
Austin Hooper CLE (50.1% Rostered) – With a couple of lack-luster performances, Austin Hooper might’ve been kicked to the curb by some fantasy football managers. With Jarvis Landry being placed on the short-term IR and Odell Beckham Jr still recovering from his ACL tear, the receiving options in Cleveland are a barren wasteland. Austin Hooper is the only Cleveland Brown I am considering starting besides Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Austin Hooper should be picked up and watched for the time being. Make sure they give him valuable targets before plugging him into your lineup.
